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July 9, 2011

organic? yes please

One thing I love about living in California is the abundant access to healthy foods. Not to say I couldn't find healthy foods in Florida, but I just feel like there are so many more options of products and stores here! My eyes have been opened to the wonderful world of Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. If I could move into the storage room of Whole Foods I would. Although, I think BJ would miss me too much so I will keep my current residence. Needless to say, I am completely, head over heels, obsessed with the store! The marketing departments for organic brands love people like me - I would buy pretty much anything just because it says "organic" on the container. I know there are definitely advantages to paying attention to the organic, cage-free, no hormones, all natural labels, but I really wanted to research the true advantages of organic before I bought the San Diego Whole Foods store out of business.

One great website I found is on the Mayo Clinic website. Two very interesting points this article made about organic foods is how different they look - shapes, colors, sizes {definitely smaller} and how they spoil much faster than conventional food. BJ and I recently took a tour of an organic farm in hopes of signing up for their weekly produce and herb delivery service. I was so excited when we got there, but took a step back in shock after I saw an example of the basket and I couldn't help but think, "ughh...really? That's organic?!" The fruits weren't as bright and shiny as what I typically purchase in the grocery store and they were definitely much, much smaller. But then it hit me, it's amazing to see the difference of something grown 100% natural versus what we see in the store. Take a look at the list on the website that shows the difference between how conventional and organic foods are grown. It definitely makes me think twice about the food I buy.

The next question would be, "Do I actually need to buy everything organic?" I did some research and as much as I hate to admit it, the answer is no. Check out this website from The Daily Green. It gives you a list of the 'dirty dozen' that are recommended to buy organic: apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, nectarines, grapes (raisins & wine), sweet bell peppers, potatoes, blueberries, lettuce and kale. A few other suggested items: meats, milk, coffee and chocolate. The good news is that at the end of the article there is also a list of things we don't have to buy organic. A few that I personally use on a regular basis...onions, avocado, asparagus (organic is so good though!), sweet potatoes and mushrooms.